Honda CB1000R 2018: Masterful Counterpoise!

Honda CB1000R 2018. At the EICMA show in Milan 2017, Honda is doing very well by unveiling a family from the Neo Sports Café concept. The new CB1000R 2018 is already focusing the attention of roadster fans and like no other! Many expected this new Honda CB1000R 2018, and here it is finally, in its final version! And the least we can say or write is that the Japanese manufacturer has decided to stand out from current production. The first pictures of the new Honda CB 1000 R 2018 reveal a motorcycle that appears like a real against the current trend and it's so much better!

CB1000R 2018: More Neo Retro than Manga!

Honda had already let slip some clues with the concept Neo Sports Café, recently unveiled at the Tokyo show. We had discovered a prototype of modern roadster, certainly, but not at all inscribed in the current trend of Manga style dear to the Kawasaki Z1000 (R) or the Yamaha MT-10 (SP) for example. For its part, the world number 1 returns to a style much more sober, softened, purified. Some might even regret it compared to the latest CB1000Rjust very typical. But in doing so, the Japanese manufacturer shows his desire to return to a more timeless design, taking the codes of the roadster and coffee racer. A choice that allows him to limit the number of plastic parts for the cladding (there would remain only six) in favor of aluminum. Honda even admits to having followed a "minimalist and retro-industrial approach by emancipating from the diktat imposed roadster declensions of sport models type RR". Thus, this "break" will date, this new CB1000R 2018 can easily take place in the Honda Museum following recent CB900F Hornet, CB1000 Big One or CB1300F.

Very visible muscles with 20.5 horses better!

On the technical side this time, Honda has selected known and effective solutions. Beginning with the use of an assaulted version of the engine of the hypersportive CBR1000RR. Understand by "assagie" the fact that the maximum power has been lowered from 192 to 145.5 horses, still 20.5 more horses than the former CB1000R and in absolute, more than respectable power when it's about fighting against the wind without even a poor bubble! And all the more so as the curves have been reworked to offer maximum torque at mid-speed.

The box reports, especially the first three, have been shortened (about 4%) and Honda to specify that the new CB1000R cuts the 0 to 130 km/h faster than the hypersportive! The novelty also takes advantage of its weight revised downward, with no less than 12 kg of dry weight loss (!) Or a full weight of 210 kg according to our calculations and 212.7 kg according to Honda (we will not fail to weigh it on the occasion of our test). Anyway, here is a weight / power ratio (212.7 kg / 145.5 hp) that promises already very beautiful sensations!

Steel frame and single-sided aluminum

The "mono-backbone" (or "backbone") frame supports the engine at the top, back and front, like the old model. But it is now steel rather than aluminum, which would not prevent it to display 2.5 kg less, as the side plates (aluminum). We still find, and that's good, the beautiful aluminum oscillating single-sided which is part of the stylistic heritage of the CB 1000 R.

The dual-outlet exhaust also contributes to the overall lightening (it "loses weight" from 15.7 kg to 11.2 kg, or 4.5 kg less), and its sound beyond 5 500 RPM promises to be exciting, according to Honda. The suspensions, entrusted to Showa, are upscale, from the inverted fork SFF Big Piston to mono shock of an equivalent standard. Standard ABS braking does not appear to be adjustable or disconnectable. To confirm. More surprisingly, Honda has retained a very wide rear tire (190/55 x 17 against 180/55 x 17) mounted on a 6-inch rim, and a weight distribution" on the rear"(48.5% AV, 51.5% AR), which does not promote, in principle, agility.In return, the acceleration on the first three reports promise to greatly lighten the direction, fun in perspective! Also note, the saddle culminates at 830 mm, a height unfavorable to small jigs.

An electronic endowment close to the CBR 1000 RR

In electronic side, we find substantially the same package that fits the latest version of the CBR1000RR Fireblade. The Throttle By Wire electronic throttle links to the ECU and coordinates the driving aids, which are the driving modes (standard, rain, sport and user - a la carte), the three power levels available, the three engine brake force levels and the three levels of torque control (Honda Selectable Torque Control), which is Honda's traction control. The latter is disconnectable.

On the CBR1000RR, throttle grip and traction control are often criticized by circuit drivers because the throttle is considered too brutal. Will remain to see what is on the side of this new roadster which, on paper, promises a lot!

Honda CB1000R 2018 Specs:

• New sports roadster replacing the CB1000R
• Design wanted sleek, more coffee racer and pure naked
• Model from the Neo Sports Cafe concept
• 4-cylinder in-line engine derived from the 2017 CBR1000RR (Euro 4)
• Power 145.5 hp, torque 104 Nm (+ 20.5 hp vs CB1000R 2017)
• Weight 212.7 kg all full facts announced
• 12 kg of weight loss
• Mono backbone steel frame
• Aluminum swingarm
• Showa suspensions, SFF BP inverted fork
• ABS series
• Electronic throttle, 3 driving modes and 1 user mode
• Electronic and adjustable control (3 levels) of power, engine braking, torque
• Disconnectable torque control (traction)
• Seat height 830 mm
• Mass distribution at the rear: 48.5% AV / 51.5% AR
• Limited plastic trim parts (six pieces)
• Omnipresence of aluminum (apparent rear loop)
• Special RS version better equipped, with Shifter, and finer finish

Above, the concept Neo Sports Cafe unveiled in Tokyo last October and below the new CB1000R 2018 that follows. Honda has managed to keep the spirit and overall look of the concept, despite the need to mount perfectly homologated components, such as the exhaust.

Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 2018

Harley Davidson Softail Breakout 2018. The Breakout is largely revisited in 2018, more sexy without losing anything of its exclusive custom character. And that's where the bat can hurt! Reassemble your sleeves and play the biceps because you will take place on the famous Breakout, a "dragchop" approved to the sulfurous reputation, loved by insiders and more confusing for others.

A feature that does not prevent the "Eclate" (literal translation of Breakout) to be among the bestsellers of the Milwaukee Factory in our beautiful country. Just like its limited edition CVO version, the new Breakout 2018 is the ultimate luxury and lust card.

Of a rare elegance

Fine front wheel of 21 inches, huge sausage 240 wide behind, flat line, ultra-grazing and long, long, long. The table is drawn up, Breakout cultivates the paradoxes.

This is the kind of sculpture that could be put in his living room, between a Stark and a Modigliani. But the beautiful, we imagine already rebellious in view of its measurements outside standards, just waiting to roll on infinite straight lines. Teasing that we are, we led the breakout to the antipodes of his homeland, for a test in the natural park of Sant Llorenç del Munt, in the heart of Catalonia, a beautiful region and, like her, rebellious.

The culture of respect

Leaving the Bad Boy look to the 2018 Fat Bob recently tested in our digital pages, the Breakout also offers two Milwaukee-Eight branded engines: the V-twin 107 ci with air-oil cooling and double balance wheel developing 86 horses with 14.8 mkg of torque; or its vitamin version 114 ci, 8 horses more powerful and even more coupleuse (+ 1 mkg).

It goes without saying that our Test Breakouts, equipped with the 114 ci, already extend the arms at 1500 rpm, while their mechanics exults at 3000 rpm. More flexible at the bottom, vibrating less, this new engine symbolizes the ultra-quiet force of the latest Harley-Davidson 2018.

The part-cycle that has taken a drastic turn is enhanced, since it is built around a lightweight and largely rigidified Softail frame. Given its destiny, the fact that a Breakout tank only loads 13.2 liters of fuel should not disappoint anyone. The bike abandons its big analog counter mounted on the handlebars for a tiny digital block inserted at the bridge. A must of integration, if not visibility! The lighthouse also, took - by equipping itself with leds - a "weird" form.

Augmented reality

And here we go for the 2018 Breakout test, arms outstretched, buttocks flush with the ground and feet forward. Dismantling the 305 kg of the beast is not the hardest. If the first start or frank acceleration confirm the health of the big-twin, the obligatory maneuvers in circulation make the smile fall, unless you have disproportionately long arms or be cut like a mover.

And more, the bends announcing the arrival of the buttresses raise the doubt as to the capacities of bursts (bis repetita) with such a machine. Neither the Drag-Bar, nor the ridiculous ground clearance, let alone the Canadian road train wheelbase, predispose the Harley-Davidson Breakout to mountainous terrain.

More than the other Softail, it shakes frankly on the bumps, because of its saddle dug (débourrée) and does not make a miracle in terms of braking (only one disc before) after one "wrung the handle" on the first three reports.

When driving only conventional motorcycles, taking a turn with a Breakout is not always easy. Long fork, narrow front tire and very wide rear end struggle to agree on the path to follow. Respect the breakout or be respected, that is the question. Next as one chooses to apprehend it, one caresses it or one tames it, but one always leads it with circumspection. Under penalty of consummation of the footrest...

2018 Breakout Test Report

If the new Harley-Davidson Breakout is not really an accomplished road, it is still one of the best for who wants to go to the cafe or the tennis course by looking away. It will be chosen for this and for nothing else, except to shoot adrenaline shots by accelerating between a green light and a red (or green). But that it is clear, those who like the piloting will have better to make (from) 21 760 € claimed for this very beautiful object (to 02/11/17). At this price, better not to be wrong! By Philippe Chanin, Lionel Beylot photos, Eric Malherbe, Yud Pourdieu the Coz & Co

More:

Piece of art

Strong sensations

Very low seat height

Two displacements

Less:

Maneuverability deficit

Special conduct

Too low seat height?

Minimal ground clearance

Harley-Davidson Breakout 2018: Convenient

Price:   107 ci from 21 760 € - 114 ci from 23 560 € (to 19/09/17) 

Color:  107 black - 114 silver Fortune 

Warranty:  2 years, parts and labor, unlimited mileage 

Homologation :  Euro4, license A

The Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout competitors:

• Yamaha XVS 1300 Custom (Stryker) 2014

• Regal Raptor Bobber 350

• Zero Engineering T9

• Zero Engineering T5

Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout Technical sheet

Engine: 1,745cc (107) / 1,868cc (114), 4-stroke, V-twin open at 45 °, 100mm bore x 111.1mm stroke / 102mm x 114.3mm, air-oil cooled , tumble feed and 4-hd / cyl, compression ratio 10: 1 / 10,5: 1, ESPFI electronic injection, 6 speeds, belt secondary transmission 

Electronics: ABS not disconnectable 

107: Horsepower 86 horsepower at 5,020 rpm, torque 14.8 mkg at 3,000 rpm 

114: Power 94 horsepower at 5,020 rpm, torque 15.8 mkg at 3,000 rpm

Cycle part: Double steel cradle frame, double valve hydraulic fork, adjustable AR mono-damper, ABS ABS brake 1 disc diam. NC / caliper 4 pistons - AR disk diam. 292 mm / caliper 2 pistons, front tires 130/60 x 21 - AR 240/40 x 18

Gauge: Length 2,370 mm, wheelbase 1,695 mm, hunt NC / angle 26° 8, seat height 665 mm, tank 13,2 l, dry weight (factory) 294 kg / all full details + 305 kg (factory)

Performance: Max speed + 170 km / h (meter), average consumption of the NM test

Kawasaki Ninja 400 2018: A future success?

Kawasaki Ninja 400. The Kawasaki will expand its catalog 2018 with a small sports that looks very attractive. The new Ninja 400 is more powerful than the former 300 Ninja and could be successful in Europe. The former Kawasaki Ninja 300 had marked the spirits. From the first try, she had shown good skills and a level of performance quite satisfactory. Later, at the end of a comparison 250/300, she had the nail driven, and, she accumulates the good notes, so it is indeed the proof that the intermediate displacements of 300 at 500 cm3 make sense. Admittedly, this division of the market is more attractive to the geographical areas of South East Asia, but the market is changing and this new Kawasaki Ninja 400 2018 could well meet a new success in Europe.

Kawasaki Ninja 400: More attractive than the 300?

And for this new 2018 planetary, since it will be marketed both in Asia and Europe, Kawasaki has done seriously. The new Ninja 400 has a great look and takes the general silhouette of the sport of the brand, starting with the look of the Ninja 650 itself inspired by that of the 1000 ZX-10R. Note also that the half handlebars are located higher than the sports 600 or 1000 cm3, designed for the circuit and competition. The new Ninja 400 remains a versatile sport, accessible to the greatest number, which is why its driving position is less radical.

A better equipped bike part and 8 kilos less than the ex 300 Ninja!

On the technical side, Kawasaki has selected proven and effective solutions for this kind of motorcycle that must respect a manufacturing cost calculated to the fair. The frame, tubular steel type, incorporates the technology initiated on H2 models, according to the press kit, but its design corresponds more to the frames already used on the Kawasaki Z900 or the Ninja 650. Despite everything, Kawasaki has reviewed this part, since the frame/swingarm assembly is new and was designed to reduce the wheelbase (1405 to 1370 mm) compared to the former Ninja 300 while the swingarm has been lengthened to improve traction. Also, note that Kawasaki chose a rigid mounting of the engine in the frame to increase the rigidity of the whole. With 168 kg all full facts, the new Kawasaki Ninja 400 would be lighter by 8 kilos, despite the arrival of reinforced suspensions like the new fork of 41 mm in diameter (37 mm previously). The front brake disc goes to 310 mm; it is pinched by a two-piston caliper. ABS is in series.

With 45 hp, the twin should not miss

In terms of engine, Kawasaki also reviewed his copy. The parallel twin here reaches 399 cm3 against 296 cm3 on the former Ninja 300. So we have indeed a real 400cc enginewhile the competition sometimes conceals behind this name a cubic capacity closer to 250 cm3. Here, the twin Kawasaki has been given special care to eliminate friction internally. The air box reaches 5.8 liters and the intake benefits from optimized ducts. Hopefully, this is reflected in the sound of the mechanics, which should offer a nice snoring of air box, as often on Kawasaki models. In short, the new 400 engine of course offers all the ingredients of modern mechanics and performance side, it should not demerit with 45 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 38 Nm at 8,000 rpm. Showing less than 35 kw (33.4 kw), it remains below the fateful limit that allows approval for A2 licenses. And the new Kawasaki Ninja 400 has the arguments to seduce beginners.

Naked fans will be waiting for the Z 400

The photos of the new Ninja 400 show a good quality of manufacture and equipment, even limited, seems satisfactory at this level of range. The instrumentation is well arranged, with a gas gauge and a gear ratio engaged. If the fork is devoid of adjustment, the damper still has a preload adjustment. The Kawasaki accessory parts catalog will also be able to refine the look with a high double bend bubble, a saddle cover for example. Certainly, we can not help but look into the future by discovering this sporting novelty already very attractive. It's a safe bet that Kawasaki declines in a version Z or Versys in a few months.

Kawasaki Ninja 400 2018 Technical Sheet:

• New versatile sports model accessible to beginners
• Engine 399cc, twin cylinder, injected, water cooled, DOHC, 8 valves
• Large volume air box, optimized intake
• 45 hp (33.4 kw) at 10,000 rpm, 38 Nm at 8,000 rpm
• Steel tube frame, rigid mounted motor
• Sporty geometry, reduced wheelbase, long swingarm
• Fork diameter 41 mm, braking with two discs, ABS standard
• Seat height: 785 mm
• Weight all full announced facts: 168 kg
• Tank: 14 liters
• Full instrument panel: fuel gauge, gear ratio indicator
• Color: green, black

Yamaha YZ450F 2018 Review & Specs

Yamaha YZ450F. With its 100% new chassis, engine modified and "connected" or its electric starter, the new Yamaha YZ450F 2018 is undoubtedly one of the big new cross this vintage. We tested it and approved! Twenty years ago, Yamaha made a sensation by launching its 400 YZF of 55 horsepower in the cross country market. The 426 YZF 2000 then followed suit before giving way to the final cubic capacity of 450 cm3 in 2003. The bike will evolve over the years to radically cut with his heirs in 2010: the famous inverted cylinder replaces the engine 5 valves at the end of life on the 450 YZF.

And it's still this bike that we're talking about today, but after a change in 2014Yamaha has really taken things in hand! This Yamaha YZ450F 2018 marks the beginning of a new era, the chassis is redesigned from A to Z, the engine retains the same principle, but its design is deeply revised and modernized. It was not so much to put our excitement slider to the max! And that will not make sense by discovering the field of madness in Ottobiano reserved for the first test of this Yamaha YZF 2018 2018, between sand and earth, watered and perfectly prepared.

Yamaha 450 YZF 2018 Test: A little more lightness!

The first eye contact with the new Yamaha YZ450F 2018 is positive. Difficult to remain objective on this point, but we must recognize that the blues have made a great aesthetic effort on their latest high-end cross. The line of the Yamaha is refined, plastics are less "disjointed" than before, less "gross foundry". The new Yamaha YZ450F may seem a bit stale in the eyes of fans of racing parts, but the simple fact that the rims are anodized blue gives it a Factory dimension is simple and effective. Then my eye is attracted to the welds of the new aluminum frame, and here we must admit that some competitors master the art of welding aluminum (mass production) better than Yam.

You will no doubt have noticed, there is more kick on this YZ450F, which is the luxury of an electric starter. We salute the performance performed by Yamaha, which, despite the arrival of this new device, does not weigh down his 450 (112 kg full facts). However, is not it better to have a mechanical solution in case of battery failure? That remains the question.

Yamaha 450 YZF 2018: The cross 2.0

If Yamaha becomes the second Japanese manufacturer to propose the magic button, the company at the tuning fork does not take less "pole" with this very first motocross bike "connected"! A smartphone and an application allow you to connect to Wi-Fi Yam. Here you are able to adjust your engine according to your desires and able to accurately track the hours of operation of the bike for optimal maintenance. The more advanced can go far enough in their search for settings while the less sophisticated can have "generic" curves. And if with your friends you ride all Yamaha YZ450F, you can also exchange your settings between smartphones! We do not stop progress, but rest assured, if you do not want to hear about all this, the bike starts and rolls anyway!

Yamaha 450 YZF 2018: Slimming cure welcome!

But this time, it's time to start our first try of the new 2018 Yamaha YZ450F, and no need to ride long to appreciate the change. The bike is perhaps not the finest Jap 'but its ergonomics makes a good forward spectacular! Everything is more natural, the bike fits ideally between the legs, the driver less "picked up" on board thanks to a raised cockpit, a handlebar.

No longer need to search the user manual of the 450 Yamaha cross 2018, this one becomes definitely intuitive. And his new chassis will quickly show us on the field, the bike undoubtedly gaining ease of control. The whole thing is lively, much more agile, you throw yourself into the turns without restraint. The rear wheel "draws hell", while the fork cash the (much) too long without flinching.

Still, there may still be a little better to go. Our circuit of the day to be beautiful "caviar", from the appearance of the first holes we feel a certain firmness of the front gear, and it would almost start to "brew". The fork is a little firm at the beginning of the race, but it is probably more towards the agreement fork / shock that it will be played. The Yamaha YZ450F 2018 works much more on the rear than on the front. Some damping preload adjustments and / or fork leg height would erase this feeling "chopper". But believe me, it's almost anecdotal next to the pleasure we had to discover this new Yamaha YZ450F 2018.

Yamaha 450 YZF 2018: She is nice... Finally!

Renowned for its lack of engine smoothness, the Yamaha YZ450F also corrects the shot in a very nice way. This mill becomes much more exploitable at low speed and remains linear at the beginning of the mid-regimes. Would the famous inverted cylinder have found the way of wisdom after 8 years of existence? It would seem ! Do not panic anyway, we have a Yamaha YZ450F in the hands, and a clutch in the bends forcefully ejects us to the exit, while remaining on a human scale.

In summary, we take the test game of this new Yamaha YZ450F 2018, and we can now afford to attack more than in the past. The excuse is that you almost have the feeling of lack of elongation at times. Add to that a contained inertia and a feeling to the gas handle excellent, and you understand that nothing comes to spoil the pleasure to ride on this famous Yamaha YZ450F!

Appraisal: It was better before? No, not this time!

Sincerely, the Yamaha 450 YZF has not always been my favorite. The fault of a very bulky stencil and an engine not easy. But forget this, because the 2018 vintage changes the game! No more huge bike feeling between the legs, or elitist motor, instead of a motorcycle finer and docile. Unanimously, this new generation is a great step forward for the high-end Yamaha cross, as a sign of a new era that begins for the brand. The bike is more compact, more maneuverable and more precise. The engine is usable with a better range of use between low and mid revs. In short, we do not suffer, we dominate the bike even more when the slight disagreement between the front and rear has been reviewed. Evolution is good, but it is not free, We will even feel it pass, the price of the Yamaha YZ450F 2018 increases of 500 €, or 9 199 € (to 25/07/18). By Arnaud Vibien, Yamaha photos - Yamaha YZF 2018 Test by moto-station.com.

More:

More compact template

Moto finally human

Docile engine

Maneuverability and precision

Starter

Motor settings via application

Less:

Firm fork

Front / rear tuning

Price + 500 €

Yamaha 450 YZF 2018: Practical

Yamaha YZ450F Price: 9 199 € (on 21/07/2017) 

Color: blue 

Availability: Ready since end of August 2017

The Yamaha YZ450F competitors:

• Suzuki 450 RM-Z 2018
• Husqvarna 85 TC 2018
• Honda 450 CRF 2017
• Kawasaki KX250F 2017

Yamaha YZ450F Technical sheet

Engine: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, 4 valves, liquid cooled; 2 camshafts in the head; 449 cm3; bore 97 mm x stroke 60.8 mm; Keihin electronic injection; electric starter; 5-speed box; compression ratio 12.8: 1 Power and torque NC

Part-cycle: Aluminum frame with side beams, double cradle; Inverted fork Kayaba diam. 48 mm, travel 310 mm; single-shock Kayaba AR suspension and tie rods, travel 317 mm; front brake 1 floating disc diam. 270 mm / caliper Nissin 2 pistons - rear disc diam. 245 mm / Nissin caliper 1 piston; front tires 80 / 100-21 - AR 110 / 90-19

Dimension: Length 2 185 mm; width 825 mm; height 1 285 mm; wheelbase 1,485 mm; seat height 965 mm; ground clearance 335 mm; fully loaded weights 112 kg; 6.2 liter tank (manufacturer's data).

Honda CBR250RR Cafe Racer by Lunatic Custom

Honda CBR250RR Cafe Racer. This is a preparation that does not lack audacity and care! The review of the Lunatic Custom Honda CBR 250 RR has a modern coffee racer look, with in-board brakes! Lunatic Custom has started the preparation, or even the transformation, of the new Honda CBR 250 RR (not imported in Europe). For once, this preparation, which is part of the contest Honda Dream Ride Project, is a beautiful achievement that has had to ask a lot of work to these parents!

Honda CBR250RR Cafe Racer Lunatic Custom: What a great Job!

The idea was clearly to put forward a classic style, too, Lunatic Custom has completely revamped the trim, machined steel frame, added a beautifully manufactured swingarm, even stronger, the team had the idea to redo brakes type inboard as in the 80s, pretty! The exhaust line goes into the seat shell and the front part receives a classic round headlight enhanced with LEDs. Certainly, we are here far from a preparation way handlebar change, graft a headlight plate and rolls my hen. No, Lunatic Custom spent a few hours, no doubt. In addition, by using a new motorbike base, they spared an oldies from the used market, especially when it comes to a motorcycle in its own juice, or even close to the state collection, because even though the Honda CX 500 was not the most beautiful bike of the production, to cut one then in a very correct state is an unforgivable mistake.

The Honda CBR 250 RR which served as a basis for this awesome transformation of Cafe Racer.